Encouragement (Page 11)

No matter what life throws my way, I can trust in God’s strength to lift me up. My husband lost his job earlier this month. I know God uses these “valleys” to help us depend fully on Him. I also know to fully trust God instead of worrying about the future. It is easier to indulge in worry and food instead of leaning on Him. Exodus 15:2 is, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise Him – my father’s God, and I will exalt him! (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015).Read More →

After living over 50 years, I finally realize my life will never be trouble-free.  Usually, I have long enough to rest after resolving one issue before running into another problem. Most of my troubles are minor annoyances.  I get overwhelmed when I have to deal with several minor issues at one time.  I get tired of finding time to handle these trials, no matter how big or small.  I want a vacation from stress. Jesus never promised us a trouble-free life. John 16:33 is, “I (Jesus) have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will haveRead More →

I become my worst enemy when I think negative thoughts. I feel like I will never succeed. I stuff food down to soothe these feelings. Since I overate again, I feel like a failure that does not deserve to lose weight. I see my mistakes, but God sees me walking away from bondage. I need faith that God has delivered me and continues to guide me. Matthew 21:21 is, “Then Jesus told them, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and so much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you beRead More →

I don’t start each new year with resolutions. Instead, I make goals throughout the year. In 2018, I decided to finish my book. Today, I am almost halfway done with this project. My first thought is, “I have failed.” The truth is I am closer to finishing this book than I was a year ago. Instead of dwelling on where I fall short, God gives me strength to finish any goal He helps me to set. Jeremiah 29:11 is, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘These are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a futureRead More →

I cram as much holiday cheer into December as I can. We had two parties last weekend and several more this week. My goal to create matching stockings did not happen this year.  I quit looking at Christmas Pinterest boards because I am done stressing over perfection. I spend too much money and time shopping for that perfect gift. On top on holiday stress, my everyday struggles threaten to rob my Christmas joy. God’s strength carries me through any trial I face.  Isaiah 40:29 is, “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015).  His power isRead More →

I feel more prepared for Christmas than I have in years past. My house is decorated both inside and out.  As I read my Advent devotional this morning, I finally get that I need the time before Christmas to prepare my heart for God. Normally, I spend the month of December rushing around, trying to decorate, buy gifts, plus go to parties. I stress and forget why I am celebrating. Isaiah 40:3 is, “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord!  Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2915).  IRead More →

God has blessed me with everything I have.  I am not rich, but have everything I need.  Sometimes I forget to thank God for being my provider.  This causes me to take Him for granted. God commands us to be thankful. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 is, “Always be joyful.  Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015). Being joyful and thankful helps me to trust and depend on God.  He commands me to be joyful and thankful so I think less of myself.  As I list things to be thankfulRead More →

My selfish desires get me in trouble.  Instead of enjoying what is in front of me, I seek meaningless wants. I focus on my selfish desires instead of God. My time and effort are wasted when I grab things I don’t need.  My mind continues to lust for more as greed fills my heart. Psalm 20:4 is, “May he grant your heart’s desire and make all your plans succeed. (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015)  God helps me to find the true desires of my heart.  He shows me how my dreams fit into His will for me.  Surrendering my selfish will to Him helps me to be satisfied withRead More →

November is a month to be grateful for blessings in our lives.  This year I am not seeing as many “Today I am thankful for …” posts on social media as I have in the past.  I am guilty of  taking God for granted.  This leads to trouble, because I rely on my own strength instead of His. Psalm 69:30 is, “Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015).  Thanksgiving is a traditional time to give God thanks for every blessing. God desires we praise and thank Him all the time, instead just one day out ofRead More →